Ottawa Vacations — Canada's Capital and a City of Extraordinary Museums
Canada
Ottawa is Canada's capital and one of the country's most extraordinary travel destinations — a beautiful city on the Ottawa River with extraordinary museums, the iconic Parliament Hill, the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal, and some of Canada's most important cultural institutions. The extraordinary Winterlude festival and the world's largest skating rink on the Rideau Canal make Ottawa one of Canada's most extraordinary winter destinations.
Why Visit Ottawa?
- ✓Parliament Hill — Canada's most iconic landmark, with extraordinary Gothic Revival architecture
- ✓Rideau Canal — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest skating rink in winter
- ✓Canadian Museum of History — one of the most visited museums in Canada
- ✓Winterlude — Canada's most extraordinary winter festival
- ✓ByWard Market — Ottawa's most vibrant neighbourhood, with extraordinary food and boutiques
Things to Do in Ottawa
Wendy can arrange any of these experiences as part of your personalised itinerary.
Parliament Hill Tour
Tour the extraordinary Parliament Hill — Canada's most iconic landmark, with the Centre Block, the Peace Tower, and the extraordinary Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Rideau Canal Skating
Skate on the extraordinary Rideau Canal — the world's largest skating rink (7.8 km), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a quintessential Canadian winter experience.
Canadian Museum of History
Visit the extraordinary Canadian Museum of History — one of the most visited museums in Canada, with extraordinary First Nations culture and Canadian history.
Winterlude Festival
Attend the extraordinary Winterlude festival (February) — ice sculptures, snow activities, and the extraordinary Rideau Canal skating.
ByWard Market
Explore the extraordinary ByWard Market — Ottawa's most vibrant neighbourhood, with extraordinary food vendors, restaurants, and boutiques.
Canadian War Museum
Visit the extraordinary Canadian War Museum — one of the world's finest military history museums, with extraordinary collections and architecture.
Ready to book your Ottawa trip?
Wendy handles flights, hotels, transfers, and experiences — all in one place.
Where to Eat in Ottawa
Wendy's recommended restaurants — from fine dining to authentic local cuisine.
Fine Dining
Beckta Dining & Wine
Ottawa's most celebrated restaurant — extraordinary Canadian cuisine by chef Stephen Beckta, with exceptional wine pairings.
Seafood
The Whalesbone
Ottawa's most celebrated seafood restaurant — extraordinary sustainable seafood and oysters.
Canadian Cuisine
Zoe's Restaurant, Château Laurier
Ottawa's most iconic hotel restaurant — extraordinary Canadian cuisine in the beautiful Fairmont Château Laurier.
Where to Stay in Ottawa
Wendy has personal relationships with these properties and can often secure upgrades and exclusive rates.
Fairmont Château Laurier
LuxuryOttawa's most iconic hotel — extraordinary castle-like architecture adjacent to Parliament Hill, exceptional service, and world-class facilities.
Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market
LuxuryOttawa's most celebrated modern hotel — extraordinary design, exceptional service, and a beautiful location in the ByWard Market.
Arc The Hotel
Mid-RangeOttawa's most celebrated boutique hotel — extraordinary design, excellent service, and excellent value.
Planning Your Ottawa Trip
📅 Best Time to Visit
June through September for warm weather and outdoor activities; February for Winterlude and skating on the Rideau Canal.
🌤️ Climate
Continental with cold winters (-10 to -20°C) and warm summers (20–28°C). Ottawa is one of the coldest capital cities in the world.
✈️ Getting There
Direct flights from Calgary to Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) — approximately 3.5 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions — Ottawa
What is the best time to visit Ottawa?
June through September for warm weather; February for Winterlude and the Rideau Canal skating; May for the extraordinary Canadian Tulip Festival.
Is Ottawa good for families?
Ottawa is excellent for families — the extraordinary museums, Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, and the ByWard Market are all wonderful for children.
How far is Ottawa from Montreal?
Ottawa is approximately 2 hours from Montreal by car or 2 hours by VIA Rail train — making it easy to combine both cities in one trip.
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Book Your Ottawa Trip with Wendy
As your trusted travel consultant, Wendy handles every detail of your Ottawa vacation — from flights and hotels to transfers and experiences. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote.
Book Your Ottawa Trip with Wendy
Tell Wendy about your Ottawa travel plans and she'll respond within 24 hours with personalised options and pricing.